BEVERLY HILLS, CA, April 08, (THEWILL) – Jolted by the widespread killings across the country, the House of Representatives Tuesday summoned the Minister of Defense, Alhaji Aliyu Gusau, and the Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, to explain the killing of over 200 people in Maru and Zurmi Local Government Areas of Zamfara State last weekend by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
The duo is to appear before the House Committee on Security and Intelligence headed by Hon. Mohammed Mutawalle (PDP, Zamfara).
The decision was arrived at following a motion of urgent national importance moved by Hon. Ibrahim Shehu Gusau (PDP, Zamfara).
Gusau told the House that on t April 3, over 30 persons were ambushed and killed in Yar-Tsaba and Birnin-Tsaba in Zurmi Local Government. He added that on April 5, over 200 innocent citizens were mercilessly killed in Yar-Galadima village by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
He said the gunmen numbering hundreds operated freely for about four hours shooting at children, traders, vigilante, community leaders and clerics and that within a space of 72 hours, 30 persons were killed in Zurmi Local Government Area.
He expressed concern that “the Fulani herdsmen have gradually become more daring, well-organised and well-armed that no small units of security personnel can repel their attacks when they strike.
According to him, “these groups of attackers are becoming more coordinated and if not quickly terminated can turn into yet another organised terror group which can pose additional dimension to the security challenges in the country.
“The above gruesome statistics was for Zamfara State alone. Similar incidents have been recurring in Benue and Nasarawa states where several people were killed.”
In a related development, the House has also urged the Federal Government to construct military barracks in Doma, headquarters of Doma Local Government area of Nasarawa State to accommodate a battalion to boost security in the southern senatorial district of the state.
The resolution was consequent upon a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Hon. Mohammed Onawo (PDP), who argued that the attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen was a matter of concern hence the presence of a military battalion was required to tackle the crisis.
In his motion, the lawmaker noted that the sum of one hundred and fifty million (N150) naira was appropriated in the 2014 Appropriation Act for the construction of the battalion and yet, the project has not been awarded.
He explained that the essence of the project is to boost security in the zone and the neighboring towns of Guma, Gwer West and Agatu in Benue State, which at the moment are threatened by frequent insurgents attacks resulting in loss of lives, property and other casualties, bringing about an increased situation of refuges and humanitarian calamities all over the state.
Onawo expressed concerned that the essence of the project may be defeated if urgent measures are not taken to facilitate its execution. According to him, “the appropriated funds may be wasteful if action is not taken by parliament to ensure timely implementation of the project, and that non-implementation may facilitate poor development,governance and security of the people and the state.
The House directed its Committees on Works and Army to investigate the circumstances behind the non-implementation of the project, recommend appropriate measures to overcome the challenges and report back to the House within one month.
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